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Last week, BNSF Railway Co. reduced its rates for domestic and export wheat moving eastbound from origins in Montana, Minnesota, and North and South Dakota to Minneapolis and Chicago.

For example, the railroad cut the per-car rate to move grain from Wolf Point, Mont., to Chicago by $273.

“These reduced rates make it more cost-effective for our grain growers to move their products to the eastern hubs and mills — we don’t ship a lot of product east,” said Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) in a prepared statement.

In addition, BNSF plans to upgrade a branch line between Great Falls and Fort Benton, Mont., along which Columbia Grain will build a 110-car shuttle loader facility.

“This is a classic example of how a competitive rail climate can lower rates for producers,” said Montana Grain Growers President Jon Stoner.